South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon announced on July 16 that the government has secured 35,000 advanced GPUs and elevated the nation's AI models to world's 3rd-ranked status, as the country intensifies efforts to build irreplaceable technological competitiveness. The initiatives aim to restore and normalize R&D ecosystems while establishing a foundation for national advancement amid intensifying global competition over AI and advanced science technology leadership. The announcement came during a second-half work report held at Cheong Wa Dae Guest House, where Bae emphasized the ministry's elevated status to deputy prime minister level now enables government-wide coordination of science and AI policies.
South Korea Secures 35,000 GPUs with 50,000 Target by 2028
The government secured 35,000 GPUs based on NVIDIA B200 standards. The secured GPUs are being supplied to government AI projects and government-funded research institutions. Through construction of the Haenam Solasido AI Computing Center and other facilities, the government plans to secure a total of 50,000 GPUs by 2028.
Korean AI Models Achieve World's 3rd Place Ranking in December
In December, five AI models created by South Korea were selected as internationally noteworthy models and recognized as world's 3rd-level by credible international institutions, according to Deputy PM Bae. The government aims to challenge for world's 2nd place in the second evaluation results to be announced in August, and targets raising individual AI model performance to world's top 10 by year-end.
AI Data Center Special Act Establishes Industry Infrastructure
The enactment of the AI Data Center Special Act was cited as a major achievement in establishing industry foundations. The government will support companies by exempting non-metropolitan AI data centers from power system impact assessments and providing integrated permit processing, aiming to shorten the construction period for corporate data centers.
Government Restores Basic Research Budget and Expands Youth Support
In the science and technology sector, the government restored basic research budgets to pre-R&D budget cut levels and expanded support for young researchers. The government increased research living allowances and scholarship support, with plans to provide scholarships to 10,000 science and engineering students by 2030.
Ministry Abolishes R&D Feasibility Study and Reduces Forms by 93%
The government reduced researchers' administrative burden by abolishing the R&D preliminary feasibility study system and cutting research administrative forms by approximately 93% from 2,157 to 154, creating an environment where researchers can concentrate on research. Deputy PM Bae stated that the journey for South Korea to leap forward as an irreplaceable nation began in earnest this year, emphasizing plans to secure overwhelming competitiveness in advanced technology fields and ensure growth benefits reach all citizens.
FAQ
How many GPUs has South Korea secured for AI development?
South Korea has secured 35,000 GPUs based on NVIDIA B200 standards, with plans to reach a total of 50,000 GPUs by 2028 through facilities including the Haenam Solasido AI Computing Center.
What ranking did Korean AI models achieve in December?
In December, five Korean AI models were recognized as world's 3rd-level by credible international institutions, with the government targeting world's 2nd place in the August evaluation and top 10 individual model performance by year-end.
What administrative changes did the government implement for researchers?
The government abolished the R&D preliminary feasibility study system and reduced research administrative forms by 93% from 2,157 to 154, while restoring basic research budgets to pre-cut levels and expanding youth researcher support including scholarships for 10,000 students by 2030.
